Coal Creek Canyon
Community Wildfire Protection Plan
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Protect Our Homes From Wildfire
Step 1
Step 2
Review Your Resident Action Plan
Step 5
Evacuation
Preparedness
Resident Action Plan
Evacuation can weigh heavily on the minds of residents in Coal Creek Canyon. The death of 86 people in Paradise, California during the 2018 Camp Fire, many of whom were stranded on roadways during evacuation, underscores the importance of evacuation preparedness and fuel mitigation along evacuation routes.
Evacuation preparedness is the responsibility of each resident in CCCFPD. The best way to get out quickly and safely during an evacuation is to be prepared. Unfortunately, only 62% of respondents to the CWPP survey have evacuation plans for their family and only 48% have go-bags at the ready. Visit the Rotary Wildfire Ready website to learn about go-bags and evacuation planning—simple and crucial actions that can save lives.
In addition to preparing a go-bag, have a family emergency plan before the threat of wildfire is in your area. Some residents have family members or neighbors with physical limitations who might struggle to evacuate in a timely manner. Develop specific emergency plans that address these unique needs and vulnerabilities. Parents should work with their neighbors to develop a plan for how to evacuate children that might be home alone.
Potential Roadway Non-Survivability
Roads lined closely with dense, tall vegetation can create flame lengths and heat that are dangerous to evacuees. Roads that may be unpassable during a wildfire event are referred to as potentially non-survivable in this CWPP.
Click Map To Enlarge
Residents with livestock trailers should plan to leave during voluntary evacuation notices to allow time for their preparations and create more space on the roads for other residents during a mandatory evacuation. It is important to have a plan for where to take livestock to reduce some of the chaos and uncertainty created by wildfire evacuations. FEMA provides tips for protecting livestock during a disaster. In Jefferson County, Horse Evacuation Assistance Team (HEAT), provides large animal evacuation assistance response for wildland fires and natural disasters. The Jefferson County Animal Control Rescue team and Gilpin County Animal Response Team works in conjunction with law enforcement, fire, emergency management and the Jefferson County Incident Management Team to safely and efficiently evacuate and shelter animals.
All residents in CCCFPD should sign up for local emergency notifications from Boulder, Gilpin, and Jefferson Counties to ensure timely and accurate information during emergencies. Information on emergency notifications was accurate and current as of the writing of the CCCFPD CWPP in early 2024. Understanding types of emergency alerts and terminology can help you be prepared and take appropriate action during emergencies. Each county uses its own terminology.
! Residents in CCCFPD should register for all three alert notifications. !
Boulder County:
Click here to sign up for BOCO Alert via Everbridge
For more information, visit the Boulder County Disaster Management website on emergency notifications.
Gilpin County:
Click here to sign up for Hyper-Reach
For more information, visit the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office website on emergency notifications.
Jefferson County:
Click here to sign up for Lookout Alert
For more information, visit the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office website on emergency notifications.
Follow evacuation etiquette to increase the chance of everyone exiting CCCFPD in a safe and timely manner during a wildfire or other emergency:
-
Register for emergency notifications in Boulder, Gilpin, and Jefferson Counties.
-
Leave as quickly as possible after receiving an evacuation notice.
-
Have a go-bag packed and ready during the wildfire season, especially on days with Red Flag Warnings.
-
Leave with as few vehicles as possible to reduce congestion and evacuation times across the community.
-
Drive safely and with headlights on. Maintain a safe and steady pace. Do not stop to take pictures.
-
Yield to emergency vehicles.
-
Follow directions of law enforcement officers and emergency responders.
Residents in CCCFPD have experienced both mandatory and voluntary evacuations. Photo above shows a roadblock in Loveland during evacuations in 2020. Photo credit: Jenny Sparks / Loveland Reporter-Herald.